Athletic Club sends clear message to Barcelona amid Nico pursuit – “Pay the release clause” | OneFootball

Barcelona’s renewed interest in signing Nico Williams has once again stirred tensions with Athletic Club.

The two clubs haven’t had the best of relationships over the past two years and that connection has only grown poor amid Barcelona’s efforts to sign Nico Williams.

Barça were close to signing Nico last summer, but the move broke down. But this time around, the Catalans are once again serious about signing the Spanish international, who has already pleaded with Barça players to take him.

Athletic Club’s message to Barcelona

According to Mundo Deportivo, however, the likelihood of Barcelona signing Nico Williams this summer will remain almost zero if the club refuse to meet the player’s release clause.

Athletic Club have ruled out any kind of negotiation and sent a clear message to the Catalans: “If they want him, let them pay the clause, period.” Nico’s release clause currently exceeds €58 million.

Barcelona move for Nico Williams still remains complex (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

This tough stance is the latest flashpoint in an already strained relationship. Over the past two years, Athletic Club has been highly critical of Barcelona, both on and off the pitch.

During a clash in March 2023, their fans threw mock banknotes with the Barça crest and chanted “to Segunda,” expressing anger over the Negreira case.

Tensions were further heightened on the final matchday of the 2024–25 season, when Athletic fans booed Barça’s title celebrations.

Club president Jon Uriarte later complained about Barça’s conduct and accused Laporta of failing to congratulate him on Athletic’s Champions League qualification.

All this friction doesn’t help Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico, although that might prove to be a good thing given that many in the Barça camp are not on board with the idea of signing the Spaniard this summer.